Britain’s oldest Hill race returns to its roots

The UK's oldest hill race returns to its roots at Braemar Castle on June 22.

Published:13:55Friday 17 June 2016

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Britain’s oldest hill race returns to its roots at Braemar Castle on June 22.

The Creag Choinnich Hill Race was first recorded in 1064 when King Malcolm II used it to find the fastest man to deliver dispatches from Kindrochit Castle, his hunting lodge in the village.

In Victorian times, the race was included in the Braemar Highland Games which was held at Braemar Castle that is until Queen Victoria witnessed her ghillie spitting blood after winning the 1850 race. In deference to her sensibilities, the race was suspended thereafter.

The race returned about ten years ago being run from the Highland Games Park as part of the annual Junior Highland Games.

However, this month, the race will return to its former location at Braemar Castle. Organiser Al Hubbard says “It feels right to be taking the race “home”. This time round, however, we’ll have a prize for the first female home as well as the first male! ”

The race will be piped off at 8pm with registration from 7. Entries will be taken on the day although pre-registration is preferred. Visit www.entrycentral.com/creag-choinnich